Traffic Sign & Marking Lead Worker

Seattle Department of Transportation; Federal Way (WA); On-site; USD 51,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Paid vacation/leave

Job summary

Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) seeks a Traffic Marking Lead Worker to coordinate and lead crews in installing pavement markings, maintaining marking equipment, and supporting traffic safety projects throughout Seattle. The role involves operating a heavy paint truck and thermoplastic applicators, with emphasis on reliability and precision.

Candidates must have two years of public works experience including one year in traffic marking and hold a valid Washington driver's license.

Qualifications

• Two years of public works experience including one year in traffic marking.
• Experience operating paint trucks or thermoplastic applicators is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Operate road striping truck and assist in lane marker installation.
• Train and lead crews in pavement markings and sign installation.
• Maintain paint truck and thermoplastic equipment.
• Set up temporary traffic signs for closures and events.
• Keep records of work details and follow blueprints/maps.

Skills

Traffic control

Road painting

Equipment operation

Leadership

Tools

Paint Truck

Thermoplastic applicator

Job description

Join us in shaping Seattle’s streets!

At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we don’t just move people—we connect communities, build safer streets, and create a more sustainable city. With a bold vision for the future, we’re tackling big challenges: making travel safer, cutting carbon emissions, and ensuring reliable, affordable transportation for everyone—no matter who they are or where they live. Seattle is growing fast, and we’re growing with it. Thanks to a historic voter-approved $1.55 billion investment in transportation in 2024, we’re building sidewalks, fixing bridges and improving transit connections to keep our city moving. We’re a team of problem solvers, planners, engineers, communicators, and field crews bringing purpose-driven work to life. Now, we need passionate, innovative talent like you. Let’s build a Seattle that works for everyone together!

Position Description

Join us in shaping Seattle’s streets!
At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we don’t just move people—we connect communities, build safer streets, and create a more sustainable city. With a bold vision for the future, we’re tackling big challenges: making travel safer, cutting carbon emissions, and ensuring reliable, affordable transportation for everyone—no matter who they are or where they live. Seattle is growing fast, and we’re growing with it. Thanks to a historic voter-approved $1.55 billion investment in transportation in 2024, we’re building sidewalks, fixing bridges and improving transit connections to keep our city moving. We’re a team of problem solvers, planners, engineers, communicators, and field crews bringing purpose-driven work to life. Now, we need passionate, innovative talent like you. Let’s build a Seattle that works for everyone together!

Position Overview

Employees in this class coordinate, lead and participate in the daily work activities of the crews involved in the installation, maintenance, repair and removal of traffic markings and non‑electric traffic control devices such as traffic signs, road channelization, guard rails and crash cushions. The Traffic Marking Lead Worker is responsible for the operation of a traffic line painting truck and other vehicles/equipment (including combinations) that may exceed 26,000 lbs. GVW. Employees must use some judgment in adapting guidelines to different situations.

This Position Has Three (2) Separate Closing Dates, And Hiring Will Occur On a Rolling Basis As Qualified Candidates Are Identified For Each Opening

1st batch review closing by 4:00 PM on November 17, 2026.

2nd batch review closing by 4:00 PM on December 1st, 2026.

Job Responsibilities

• Operate Road Striping Truck, driving & tail gunning.
• Troubleshoot and perform in field repairs of related equipment.
• Maintain Paint Truck and Liquid Thermoplastic applicators.
• Install lane line markers and other various road markings.
• Keep records indicating types and dates of work completed.
• Interpret blueprints, maps and diagrams of streets and intersections when painting lines and performing other work including sign installation.
• Train subordinate crew members and lead crew as assigned.
• Determine daily work location based on traffic and surface conditions of the particular streets, following an overall listing of streets to be marked each year.
• Leads crews in the installation of pavement markings for small crew‑built capital projects.
• Set up temporary or emergency traffic signs for bridge closures, tunnel closures and special events.
• Apply hot thermoplastic types of pavements marking materials in marking cross walks and legends.
• Set out traffic cones as painting is done and guards against hazardous traffic conditions.
• Support department goals in promoting diversity and social justice.
• Perform other related duties of a comparable level/type as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Two years of public works experience including one year in the traffic marking field (or a combination of education and/or training and/or work experience which provides the ability to perform the work of the class).

Additional Desired Qualifications

• One year experience operating a Paint Truck
• One year experience operating a liquid thermoplastic applicator.
• One year experience leading crews in the installation of pavement marking.

License, Certification and Other Requirements

• A valid State of Washington Driver's License is required for employment. This license must be maintained throughout employment.
• Some positions may require a valid Washington State "Class B" Commercial Driver's License (CDL), with the airbrake restriction removed, within 120 days of appointment. If required, this license must be maintained throughout employment.
• An Abstract of complete driving record (obtained at applicant's expense) is required from the State of Washington Department of Licensing.
• Comprehensive drug testing in accordance with the Federal Department of Transportation Drug and Alcohol Testing Program, are required.
• A valid Washington State Flagging Card, First Aid/CPR card and/or a defensive driving course certificate may be required within six months of employment.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

Work is performed outdoors, in and around an urban street environment and in traffic, in all weather conditions. Employees work with hot or hazardous materials and/or equipment, are exposed to traffic, heavy exhaust, paint fumes, and work near the public, and occasionally work at heights above ground/water level. The work involves lifting, digging, and moving materials and equipment that weigh in excess of 50 pounds, frequent in‑street work, and occasional work on elevated roadways.

Additional Information

The full salary range for this position is $37.28 - $41.85 per hour.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long‑term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, veterans and those with diverse life experiences.

Accommodations for people with disabilities are provided on request.

The City is a Drug Free Workplace.